Tape measure with compact retraction system
First Claim
1. A tape measure comprising:
- a housing;
a tape reel rotatably mounted within the housing, the tape reel comprising a radially outward facing surface and a radially inward facing surface defining an interior reel cavity;
an elongate tape blade wound around the radially outward facing surface of the tape reel, wherein the elongate tape blade comprises a metal core and a coating layer, and the metal core has an average cross-sectional area, TA; and
a spring coupled to the tape reel such that when the elongate tape blade is unwound from the tape reel to extend from the housing the spring stores energy and the spring releases energy driving rewinding of the elongate tape blade on to the tape reel, wherein the spring has an average cross-sectional area, SA, wherein TA/SA is less than 0.9.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A tape measure comprising:
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a housing; a tape reel rotatably mounted within the housing, the tape reel comprising a radially outward facing surface and a radially inward facing surface defining an interior reel cavity; an elongate tape blade wound around the radially outward facing surface of the tape reel, wherein the elongate tape blade comprises a metal core and a coating layer, and the metal core has an average cross-sectional area, TA; and a spring coupled to the tape reel such that when the elongate tape blade is unwound from the tape reel to extend from the housing the spring stores energy and the spring releases energy driving rewinding of the elongate tape blade on to the tape reel, wherein the spring has an average cross-sectional area, SA, wherein TA/SA is less than 0.9. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A tape measure comprising:
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a housing; a tape reel rotatably mounted within the housing, the tape reel comprising a radially outward facing surface and a radially inward facing surface defining an interior reel cavity; an elongate tape blade wound around the radially outward facing surface of the tape reel, wherein the elongate tape blade has a maximum extended length, TL; a spring coupled to the tape reel such that, when the elongate tape blade is unwound from the tape reel to extend from the housing, the spring stores energy and the spring releases energy driving rewinding of the elongate tape blade on to the tape reel; and a total spiral spring length, SL; wherein TL/SL is greater than 2.52. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification